Wear Sunscreen Even on Cloudy Days

I’m standing in front of my office in Manhattan on this cold, 38 degree day in the wintertime, and as you can see, there is snow on the ground and it’s a beautiful day and the reason it’s a beautiful day to me is because if you look at the sky, you’ll see that it’s completely clouded over, and I’ve been waiting for a completely cloudy day to finally make the point of the importance of sunscreen all year long, winter, summer, whether it’s cloudy or whether the sun is out. Because if there’s enough light coming through those clouds for you to be able to see in front of you as I can see in front of me, then there’s enough light coming through those clouds to bring ultraviolet light, ultraviolet A which causes premature aging of the skin and skin cancer, and UVB which, of course, causes sunburn. So I know you know to use sunscreen when it’s sunny and in the summer, but this is to emphasize that you need to use sunscreen with UVA and UV protection all year round, every day, whether it’s cloudy or whether It’s sunny.

It's so important to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days. Dr. Schultz will explain why.

Cosmetics companies charge us more money by putting antioxidants in their moisturizers with sunprotection ,and if they don't work in the daytime than what's the point of buying them and paying extra.
Why can't we simply use sunscreens in the daytime rather than a moisturizer with sunscreen because most of the sunscreens have moisturizing base(vehicle) in their formulation.

Neal Schultz, M.D. on March 7, 2010 at 12:38am

@Hina: Amen! I couldn't agree with you more. The only caveat I will give is how moisturizing the vehicle of the sunscreen is and whether or not it's appropriate for your oil/water skin type.

female on March 7, 2010 at 11:45pm

so this it ok just to use only sunscreen during day rather than face cream as well...my skin is to oily for both and sunscreen is enough for me?
Also can I apply sunscreen at night....I like it on my skin and don't see that point in a night cream because isn't sunscreen a cream? Is gel sunscreen just as effective as sunscreen cream....sometimes even sunscreen cream on its own is to oily.... I tend use 15-20?

Neal Schultz, M.D. on March 7, 2010 at 11:57pm

@female: Of course you can also use face creams during the day (granted they have a purpose appropriate for you), but just make sure to apply sunscreen first.

Anon on March 8, 2010 at 2:58am

Is it harmful to the skin to wear a water-resistant sunscreen on a daily basis? I never swim or go into the sun, but I need a sunscreen for everyday use. Those are often the most readily available sunscreens and the least expensive.

Neal Schultz, M.D. on March 8, 2010 at 2:39pm

@Anon: No, it shouldn't be a problem, as long as it, like all other skincare products, is appropriate for your oil/water skin type (if you use it on your face).

Alex on March 13, 2010 at 6:24pm

I want to use sunscreen everyday but most all sunscreens break me out. And there may be one out there that doesn't give me acne, but if it doesn't have Avobenzone (i.e. UVA protection) I wouldn't even bother wearing it... So how will I ever find one that has good protection and won't break me out?

Stanley D weekley Jr on March 13, 2010 at 8:29pm

How do I get rid of facial whites spots?

Neal Schultz, M.D. on March 17, 2010 at 4:11pm

@Alex: In choosing a sunscreen, the three criteria that you need are, (i) water-based so that it does not break you out, (ii) SPF between 15 and 30 for adequate UVB protection, and (iii) and labeling with "UVA Protection" or "Broad Spectrum Protection". In my opinion, there is no need to look for specific ingredients such as Avobenzone if you're looking for it solely for UVA protection since the FDA-regulated labeling of "With UVA Protection" indicates adequate UVA protection. For sensitive, acne-prone skin, I recommend Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories "Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ with UVA Protection".

Neal Schultz, M.D. on March 17, 2010 at 4:14pm

@Stanley: Since there are many different causes of white spots, each which have different treatments, you'll need to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment. However, I will air an episode on just this topic in the coming months.

Alex on March 28, 2010 at 5:16am

Thanks for the reply Dr. Schultz. I was under the impression, though, that the FDA regulations for sunscreens are horrendous and desperately need reform but the sunscreen companies keep preventing the FDA from changing them. I've read that many sunscreens claim to be "Broad-Spectrum" etc. but they really aren't (they aren't doing this illegally, it's just that the FDA regulations are bad...). Read here for more info: http://www.ewg.org/cosmetics/report/sunscreen09/investigation/misleading...